Devils Daily: The One Where Its Quiet… Too Quiet

Newark, NJ – It’s been too quiet since July 1st. The New Jersey Devils are set to host development camp next week at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House at Prudential Center. We will likely see some or all of the Devils’ prospects drafted just a few weeks ago in Nashville at the 2023 NHL Draft, as well as others in their prospect pool and some unsigned invites. Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald will be in attendance (as will his sons). Unless something happens between now and then, we’re not likely to hear from the Devils’ GM until development camp is underway.

There’s not much left on Fitzgerald’s to-do list. He needs to get Kevin Bahl under contract, but there’s plenty of time to get that done. As for the rest of his roster, if he did nothing else, the Devils are already Stanely Cup contenders. The Devils were in the Connor Hellebuyck situation, but with how much time has passed and Hellebuyck’s high price tag, there’s a sense the Devils are out unless something changes.

Some of the recent signings are telling, too. The Devils signed goaltender Erik Källgren on July 1st. He’s likely to tend the net in Utica but will be the first call-up if one of Vitek Vanecek or Akira Schmid misses time. The Devils also signed Martin Brodeur’s son, Jeremy, to a two-way AHL deal. He can play with Utica or the ECHL Adirondack Thunder. As of now, all signs point to New Jersey starting the 2023-24 season with a tandem of Vanecek and Schmid.

If/when we hear from Fitzgerald next week, we’ll likely get some more answers.

Let’s get to some news.

New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Hockey Now: Adam Fantilli drew inspiration and motivation from current Devils defenseman and former Wolverines teammate, Luke Hughes. Luke’s father, Jim Hughes, also influenced Fantilli’s hockey career.

The Hockey News: Check out these AHL player cards via Jacob Stoller of The Hockey News. Simon Nemec and Graeme Clark’s development look excellent so far.

Simon Nemec had a fantastic DY+1 season in the AHL.

Graeme Clarke had a strong year, too. But it's going to be really hard for him to crack the #NJDevils roster next year. https://t.co/lFOny5JwNy pic.twitter.com/8ED09K67W1

— Jacob Stoller (@JLStoller) July 7, 2023

National Hockey Now

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Kyle Dubas and the Penguins have been trying to figure out a way to make a deal with the San Jose Sharks work for defenseman Erik Karlsson. However, sources have indicated the Penguins are now shopping for a backup plan if/when it doesn’t work out with Karlsson.

Boston Bruins

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins really wanted to bring Tyler Bertuzzi back to Boston. Instead, Bertuzzi and his agent opted for free agency and signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs for one year. According to the Bruins GM, Boston was never given the option to offer a one-year contract.

Florida Panthers

Florida Hockey Now: After splitting duties between the AHL and NHL with the Bruins in 2022-23, Mike Reilly is ready to seize the opportunity he’s been given with the Panthers in 2023-24.

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Hockey Now: Once an enemy of the Blackhawks, Corey Perry is happy to be on this side of the ice after being traded to Chicago.

Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo Hockey Now: After Jack Quinn suffered an Achilles tendon injury his offseason training, the Sabres are hoping they can fill Quinn’s void internally.

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